Originally Posted by
HGR3inOK
The Dahon Speed P8, IMHO, a great all-around bike. "It's hard to go wrong with a Speed P8." (as I was told a few years ago when trying to choose my first Dahon.) I don't know what it would be like to live with a Raleigh i8 on a daily basis for an extended time, but it seems to be a solid bike. The IGH is a real plus. The i8 does not fold as compactly as the Dahon Speed/Mariner/Mu models. A couple reasons for the larger fold are that the i8 has a "normal" front hub/fork and the handlebar does not rotate easily like the Dahon Revolve stem. For Dahons --- D equals Deluxe components and P equals Premium (better than Deluxe) components. Hope this helps.
-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA
Thanks, Hank! This is really helpful information. The Raleigh Folding i8 (LBS with free tuneups for life) is about $60 more than the best price I've gotten for a Speed P8 (online only). I am leaning more towards the Speed P8 now even if it does not have an IGH because of your post. Would still be open to hearing from anyone with differing opinion though before making a purchase. I really appreciate everyone's thoughts and assistance.